Located on the Atlantic influenced western edge of France, Bordeaux
is a large wine region covering more than 120,000 hectares and 50
communes. The vast quantities of wine produced here, coupled with
the diverse terroir makes Bordeaux a go-to source for serious wine
drinkers seeking delicious, inexpensive whites and reds for
everyday enjoyment. In particular, the appellations along the right
bank of the Gironde Estuary are home to many superb values and
undiscovered properties like this newly imported Chateau La Bourreé
from the Cotes de Castillon. Côtes de Castillon is located on the
eastern border of Saint Emilion. It became an independent
appellation only in 1989, before which it was classified as
Bordeaux Superieur “Côtes de Castillon”. Until 1920 the wines were
labeled as “près Saint Emilion”. The appellation takes its name
from the town of Castillon La Bataille where in 1453 a battle took
place that ended the 100 year war with England. The vineyards are a
geological extension of those encountered in Saint Emilion with
some good sites on the upper plains as well as the more classic
hillsides and elevated plateaux.

Chateau La Bouree extends over 10 hectares where the upper
river plain meets the first hillsides. The vineyard is sustainably
farmed and planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5%
Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The yields are kept to 45h/hl by green
harvesting and leaves are pulled as needed to insure proper
ripening. All the grapes are brought to a sorting table before
entering the winery allowing only the best fruit to be vinified.
Fermentation on the skins lasts for three weeks after which the
wine is aged in used barrels for a year. The result is a great 2014
Cotes de Castillon with distinct structure, depth and suppleness
that allows for early enjoyment, but will continue to develop for
3-5 years. Pair this grippy, Merlot dominant red with everything
from gamy quail stew or Peking Duck, to meat pies and BLTs.

2014 Bordeaux Vintage Report:

Winemakers from all over France reported fairly uniform
weather patterns for the initial growing season, marked by an
unusually warm winter, during which the vines did not go completely
dormant. In Bordeaux a wet, warm beginning of spring, resulting in
early bud-break, but well before threat of frost was passed.
A nail biting start to the season. Thankfully, in general, the
beginning of summer through mid-July brought overall good weather,
warm and dry, and the accelerated development of the growing cycle
regained its normal rhythm. Late July through August, conditions
varied according to region, with unpredictable weather in many
parts. September regaled, bringing sunshine and beautiful
harvest conditions; 2014 is a successful vintage of very good
quality, but for some, small quantity.